AN iconic former Stourbridge pub has begun a new era after being given a fresh lease of life by a popular artisan town restaurant.

The Swan, Hagley Road, is now trading as Ronnie's House after being bought and revamped by independent pizza eaterie Ronnie's Wood Fired Pizza.

New owner Dave McMahon, who launched the original Ronnie's from a premises on the High Street around five years ago, has begun a two-year plan to completely renovate and refurbish the venue, which had largely fallen into disrepair, after buying it from Admiral Taverns.

He has already ploughed around £70,000 into bringing the building back into use, and has ambitious plans to turn it into the town's premier eating establishment.

The former bar is now converted into a dining area, along with an 'al fresco' courtyard at the rear - with future plans for a further upstairs restaurant and function room.

Stourbridge News: Al fresco dining area

Ronnie's House is now offering freshly made pasta and its own artisan 'Bear burgers' as well as its signature pizzas, with plans in the pipeline to add Sunday lunches and an innovative vegan menu to its repertoire.

And just a couple of months into its new dawn, Ronnie's House is already catering to full houses as customers flock to see what the fuss is all about.

Building renovation is nothing new to Dave, from Kinver, who has previously spearheaded transformations at both Bisham Abbey and Lilleshall Manor sports centres during his former career.

He said: "There has been a lot to do, but that was part of the fun!

"We couldn't really spread our wings at the old place - now we have the scope to expand and offer more choice for our customers.

"It's already proving very popular and we have big plans for the future."

Stourbridge News: The renovated bar area

A big part of the vision for Ronnie's is focussed on using local produce, including cheeses and meat - and it is even selling Enville Ale on draught!

There now two authentic Italian pizza ovens installed - including one painstakingly transferred from the former High Street eaterie - along with an outdoor wood-fired burger grill.

Dave added: "We believe Ronnie's House has a really exciting future - customers are loving what we have done so far, but this is just the beginning for us."